Leslie Massey
Austrian toilets, also known as German toilets, are a type of flush toilet with a unique and somewhat infamous design feature: a shelf in the toilet bowl above the water surface that holds faeces before flushing. This design is primarily found in Germany and Austria, and it has sparked mixed reactions from users, especially those encountering it for the first time. Some consider it a terrifying or daunting experience, while others appreciate its ecological advantages and potential health benefits. This toilet design is known by various names, including washout toilet, lay and display, and the more colloquial poop shelf.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common in | Austria, Germany, Holland (The Netherlands) |
| Names | Washout toilet, German toilet, pooh shelf, poop shelf, flush-n-brush, presentation bowl, Flachspüler, Hochspüler |
| Design | A shelf in the toilet bowl above the water surface |
| Purpose | Hold faeces before flushing, easier to collect stool samples, hygienic, prevent splash |
| User Experience | Confronting, unpleasant smell, unpleasant sight, requires double flushing, requires a toilet brush |
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What You'll Learn
- Austrian toilets are known as washout toilets or German toilets
- They have a shelf to hold faeces before flushing, which can be unpleasant
- The design is more hygienic as it prevents splashing and contact with water
- The shelf makes it easier to collect stool samples
- Austrian toilets are ecologically advantageous
Austrian toilets are known as washout toilets or German toilets
Austrian toilets, also known as washout toilets, are predominantly used in Germany and Austria. They are called washout toilets because they have a shelf in the toilet bowl above the water surface that holds faeces before flushing. This design is also said to be more hygienic as it prevents splashing and contact with the water. The German terms for this type of toilet are Flachspüler or Hochspüler.
The washout toilet design has been described as terrifying and scary by some users, especially when they lift the lid and find the shelf. The experience can be quite conflicting for foreigners who are confronted with their faeces in a way they are not used to. The smell, sounds, and colours can be quite intense. However, some people get used to it, and even find American toilets ridiculous after using Austrian toilets.
The shelf in Austrian toilets has been said to serve a health inspection purpose. It is easier to collect a stool sample from the shelf than from the water, although some people question the rarity of this need. The shelf also has a practical purpose, as it immediately isolates anything that falls into the pool from the breathable air. This benefit may not be apparent until it is missing.
Austrian toilets are also known as German toilets due to their prevalence in Germany. They are found in other parts of Europe as well, including Holland (The Netherlands), and some industrial towns near Paris. However, they are not as common as they used to be, especially in newer constructions.
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They have a shelf to hold faeces before flushing, which can be unpleasant
Austrian toilets, also known as German toilets, have a shelf to hold faeces before flushing. This design feature is intended to allow for inspection of the faeces for health reasons. While some people find this unpleasant, others argue that it is more hygienic than other toilet designs because it prevents splashing and contact with the water.
The "lay and display" design of Austrian toilets can be off-putting to those who are unfamiliar with it. The shelf in the toilet bowl, situated above the water surface, holds the faeces before flushing, providing an up-close and personal experience with one's waste. The powerful flush may not always leave the porcelain feeling clean, and the design has been likened to a campground latrine experience.
The poop shelf toilet is not unique to Austria, as it was once common in Germany and some other regions in Europe. However, it is becoming less common. The design has been criticised for being uncomfortable and unsanitary, with some people feeling the need to keep a toilet brush handy.
Despite the unpleasantness of encountering one's faeces up close, there are a few advantages to the Austrian toilet design. Firstly, it is easier to collect a stool sample from the shelf than from the water, which may be relevant for health reasons. Additionally, the standing water in the bowl immediately isolates anything that falls into it from the breathable air, which is a benefit that one may not appreciate until it's gone.
While the Austrian toilet design with its poop shelf may take some getting used to, it is important to recognise that different cultures have different standards for toilet design and functionality. What may seem strange or unpleasant to one person may be perfectly normal and hygienic to another.
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The design is more hygienic as it prevents splashing and contact with water
Austrian toilets, also known as German toilets, are designed with a shelf, which is also called a poop shelf or inspection shelf. The purpose of this shelf is to hold faeces above the water surface before flushing. While this design may seem unusual, it offers a more hygienic experience by preventing splashing and contact with water.
The German toilet, often considered scary or daunting by foreigners, operates differently from the "`normal` toilet, which typically has a bowl containing standing water. In contrast, the German toilet's shelf design, also known as a washout toilet, presents users with their faeces in a more direct and upfront manner. While this may take some time to get used to, it eliminates the risk of splashing and any associated contact with water.
The hygiene benefits of the Austrian toilet design become evident when considering the mechanics of a standard toilet. In a typical toilet with standing water, there is a risk of splashing when faeces fall into the water, potentially contaminating the surrounding air. However, the Austrian toilet's shelf design prevents this issue by keeping the faeces above the water surface, ensuring a more sanitary environment.
Additionally, the shelf design facilitates the collection of stool samples for medical purposes. While providing a platform for inspection, the shelf makes it easier to scoop a sample compared to reaching into the water in a conventional toilet. This feature showcases how the Austrian toilet design considers both hygiene and practical medical needs.
Although the Austrian toilet's shelf design prioritises hygiene, it has received mixed reactions. Some users find the experience uncomfortable due to the direct confrontation with their faeces, which can be off-putting in terms of smell, sight, and sound. However, others appreciate the ecological advantages offered by this design.
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The shelf makes it easier to collect stool samples
Austrian toilets, also known as German toilets, are equipped with a shelf that holds faeces above the water surface before flushing. This design, known as a washout toilet, is common in Germany and Austria, as well as in some other regions in Europe, such as Holland.
The shelf in Austrian toilets serves a specific purpose: it makes it easier to collect stool samples. This functionality is particularly useful when a doctor requests a stool sample for medical reasons. The shelf allows for simple collection using a small scoop, avoiding the need to reach into the water.
The washout toilet design has its advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, it is more hygienic as it prevents splashing and reduces the chance of coming into contact with the water. Additionally, the design isolates anything that falls into the water from the breathable air, which is beneficial.
However, the presence of the shelf means users may be confronted with the sight, smell, and sounds of their faeces for longer than with a standard toilet design. This can be off-putting to some, especially those from other countries who may not be accustomed to this style of toilet.
While the shelf in Austrian toilets may have a practical purpose for medical reasons, it is important to note that the need to collect stool samples is relatively rare. As a result, some may question the widespread implementation of this toilet design. Nonetheless, the washout toilet remains a unique feature of Austrian and German bathrooms, contributing to the cultural experience of visitors from other parts of the world.
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Austrian toilets are ecologically advantageous
Austrian toilets, also known as washout toilets, are predominantly used in Austria and Germany. They are designed with a shelf in the toilet bowl, which holds faeces above the water surface before flushing. While some may find this feature unnerving, it offers ecological advantages.
Firstly, the Austrian toilet's design promotes water conservation. The shelf allows users to inspect their faeces for health reasons without having to flush multiple times, as they can view their waste clearly without submerging it in water. This reduces water usage compared to traditional toilets, which require flushing to bring waste into view.
Secondly, the Austrian toilet's shelf design can aid in the early detection of potential health issues. The shelf enables users to easily observe changes in their stool's appearance, such as colour, consistency, or the presence of blood, which may indicate underlying medical conditions. Early detection can lead to prompt medical attention and potentially improve health outcomes.
Additionally, the Austrian toilet's design can help reduce the spread of certain waterborne diseases. By keeping faeces above the water surface, the risk of water contamination is lowered. This is particularly beneficial in areas with outdated sewage systems or inadequate water treatment processes, as it reduces the chances of harmful bacteria and pathogens spreading through water.
Furthermore, the Austrian toilet's waterless design can contribute to a more hygienic bathroom experience. Without the presence of standing water, there is less potential for the growth of bacteria and mould, which often thrive in moist environments. This can lead to a reduction in bathroom cleaning requirements and the need for harsh chemical cleaners, benefiting both personal hygiene and the environment.
While the Austrian toilet's design may take some getting used to, its ecological advantages are notable. The water conservation, potential for early health issue detection, reduced risk of water contamination, and improved bathroom hygiene make it a unique and environmentally friendly option.
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Frequently asked questions
Austrian toilets, also known as German toilets, have a shelf to hold faeces above the water surface before flushing. This design is said to be more hygienic as it prevents splashing and any contact with the water.
Austrian toilets are formally known as washout toilets. They are also referred to as "poop shelf" toilets or "lay and display" toilets.
Austrian toilets are predominantly used in Germany and Austria. They can also be found in other parts of Europe, such as Holland (The Netherlands) and France. However, they are not as common as they used to be.
